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Episode: Lion Pride Takeover

Lion Pride Takeover

Hard Knock Life

Survivor

Photograph by BBC

Moja, a five month-old lion cub is struggling to survive in the harsh and increasingly barren environment.

Only Child

Photograph by BBC

Living alone without any siblings, Moja misses out the benefits that come with pride life. Young lions must learn from watching the older cats in the pride. Fortunately, Moja's mother, Nyota is a skilled hunter.

Strength of Spirit

Photograph by Sophie Darlington

Nyota must
provide everything for her son, to get him through this tough time. But she is
also low on energy and some of the prey on the savannah are just too fast.

A Pride of their Own

Photograph by Kiri Cashell

Their
neighbours, the Ridge Pride, live a very different existence. A typical pride,
they share family responsibilities, and live on a patch of prime real estate where
a few prey still roam.

Cat Nap

Photograph by Sophie Darlington

As the
tough season continues with ever less prey around, competition is growing and
neighbouring lionesses want Nyota and Moja gone.

Safe Place

Photograph by Sophie Darlington

Hyenas are not the only threat that Moja and his Mum face. Constantly
trespassing into other pride territories, they face dangers in every direction.
Pride females don’t want to share their food, or their males. Neighbouring males will kill Moja to father
their own cubs with Nyota.

Craddled

Photograph by Sophie Darlington

Moja and his mum live a life on the edge, keeping their heads down and
keeping quiet.

Gone Go the Rains

Photograph by Natasha Breed

However, with the rains subsiding and the grass growing tall there is
hope on the horizon.

A Meal Atlast

Photograph by Natasha Breed

The long awaited wildebeest migration is at last on the way.

Making The Kill

Photograph by Jason Feirst/ PSG Films

Moja's mother, killing a warthog. Nyota is an exceptional single mother, providing a sustainable life for her son, Moja.

Hog For Dinner

Photograph by Natasha Breed

And the wildebeest parties are beginning to advance their way across the river, giving a pardon of relief to the mother and her cub.

Beating The Odds

Photograph by Natasha Breed

Despite the odds, exceptional single mothers CAN raise their cubs
safely.

Searching For Prey

Photograph by Natasha Breed

Lioness Nyota will often search for prey from the advantage of an acacia tree.

For The Love Of Family

Photograph by Kiri Cashell

Nyota’s maternal instinct drives her to protect her son against all odds.

Nyota

Photograph by Sophie Darlington

With the
grass now so tall, Nyota uses inventive ways to scout the plains for prey. Lioness Nyota looks out from under an acacia tree.